The NSW Graffiti Hotline will make it easier to report graffiti in NSW, which will result in faster clean ups.” The hotline (free call 1800 707 125) opened on March 1 and will operate from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.Every Local Government area in NSW has established an email address to receive referrals from the Graffiti Hotline and police will also be given the data
Anyone can phone the hotline to report graffiti in NSW and callers can remain anonymous if they are concerned for their privacy and safety,” Mr Fraser said.
“After receiving a report, hotline operators will send the information to the Government agency or local council responsible for cleaning it up.”
Mr Fraser ridiculed the notion that taggers and others who deface property without permission were “artists”.
“They might like to think of themselves as artists, but they are really vandals who show no respect for other people’s property,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said the hotline delivered on an election promise and would form a key part of the NSW Government’s strategy to reduce the impact of graffiti on local communities.
The O’Farrell Government has also funded clean-up squads run by Rotary and other community groups and is working with local councils on reducing graffiti.
“Each year, graffiti attacks cost the state more than $100 million, and State Rail alone spends more than $50 million alone cleaning up trains,” Mr Fraser said.
“This is money the Government would prefer to be spending on our schools, libraries and roads.
“Graffiti is a scourge on our community and the cause of great anger for people who take pride in their surroundings.”
The Graffiti Hotline will also help authorities focus on locations that most often under attack